Last Wednesday, a high level delegation from the Rashi Foundation came to visit the Darca secondary school in Gedera, which is named after the late Menachem Begin. The delegation included Hubert Leven – President of the Rashi Fund, Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi – Rashi Fund Chairman, Jimmy Pinto – Chairman of Darca, Itzik Turgeman – Rashi Fund CEO, and Dr. Gil Pereg – CEO of Darca.
During the visit, Ruchaleh Tal, the director of the school, told of the praiseworthy changes which the school underwent because of Darca over the course of the previous school year and thanked the network for its contribution and assistance: “If it is acceptable to say that a school principal is alone, since Darca’s involvement I do not feel alone. I get professional guidance and diverse resources from Darca.” The principal also noted that there is a special program for the prevention of school dropouts, which explains the fact that 100% of her school’s students complete secondary school. She added that the statement “we do not give up on any student” has become the educational motto at the school.
Student representatives shared their experiences of the last year as well as told the delegation of the improvement in academic performance and social climate in the school. In addition, great emphasis was placed on the subject of leadership – the leading value in this school year, and attention was placed educating on values and achieving higher percentages of graduates entering into military service.
After introductions, participants were given a tour of the technology class after which they enjoyed a unique performance by the school choir. Former Chief-of-Staff Ashkenazi said during the visit that the Darca Network is not satisfied with improving the percentage of students eligible for matriculation, but rather seeks to reach a goal of 100% success at all levels – both ethical values and achievements as one.
Dr. Pereg added that “The Darca Network believes in leadership development as a core value, which is necessary to promote education in Israeli society. We are pleased to work together with the Local Council and its president Yoel Gamliel, and are pleased as well as with their contribution to significant achievements in education in the village of Gedera. The Darca Network will continue to promote and boost educational activity in the post-primary schools in the community.”
The Darca Network, founded by the Rashi Foundation, began operating in the 2011 – 2012 school year and today it operates in 17 schools throughout the country. The network provides financial and professional support to its schools in order to promote education in the (socioeconomic) periphery. At the Darca secondary school named after Menachem Begin in Gedera, the rate of eligibility for matriculation is expected to rise by 10% compared to last year, to approximately 82% of students.
